The New Reign (Vlaer)

[Joker]

Elias stood up towering over all "Good People of Feinstar by your good graces I am here today but there is still much to be done this is a great city but with the help of all of you we can make it greater still" Elias took a pause letting his words soak into the crowd. "Are you with me?" A second later the square burst with applause every man woman and child clapped. and on his way through the crowd a few people gave compliments and patted him on his back. Before exiting the square Elias turned around once more and waved to the crowd. This is much harder than I figured it would be Elias thought.

Walking through the street it was odd how much alike and unalike Feinstar and Therinsford where they both wanted to be great. But Feinstar had the makings of a great city Elias felt it in his heart. Lost in thought he bumped into a stranger "Excuse me for my clumsiness kind sir I had no intention of bumping into you please accept my apology" " Ehh take you apology else where you idiot" With this Elias continued walking this was one of the differences people needed to start respecting others if it where him or some other citizen. With this he continued walking down the street.

[Aelodil]

"You shouldn't be doing this.." came the warning from Lenora for about the fifth time that day. Sighing, Ragdar ran a hand through his hair. As usual he had Arucane in its sheath on his waist along with his royal attire of the Fire Branch. Being the Elder had been responsibility enough, plus being a Lord made it that much harder. But he could deal with it. He would deal with it. For now, though, his focus wasn't on that.

Eyeing the man giving a speech with his interesting crimson eyes, Ragdar smirked and said back to Lenora, "He's a smooth talker. Not sure if he truly means it or if he just wants to pour lies into them until their filled, but he's doing it right. He's talking to the heart of the people and succeeding. Interesting neighbor we have here." his voice that same hint of strong and fiery determination as it always had been.

"You said you were here to say your hello to the new Lord of Feinster officially. Yet here you are, ditching your retainers and instead sneaking in the crowd." came the slightly aggravated reply from Lenora. She hated it when Ragdar took dumb risks like this or got ahead of himself. He merely shrugged her off.

The man, Elias, new Lord of Feinster thanked the people and walked out. Quickly, Ragdar tread after him, careful not to alert the Lord. Interesting indeed. He wanted to meet the Lord. Who knows, perhaps he'd be able to reach an agreement with him and his Province. When he saw the attitude the man who Elias bumped into, Ragdar felt himself flare up. Respect had been part of his life, no matter what. You like someone, you don't, it doesn't matter. You respect him or her. Especially when that someone is the Lord of your Province and is working hard to improve conditions.

Stepping out, Ragdar called out, "Aye, Elias, new Lord of Feinster." stopping where he was before continuing, "The name's Ragdar, your neighbor to the north. I was meant to come here on official business but I sorta slipped away from my retainers. You must be feeling some pressure on your mind - that's my dragon, Lenora."

"Hello Elias. It's a pleasure to meet you. As Ragdar said, my name is Lenora. We're here more on official business but apparently Ragdar has decided it'd be settled without his retainers. I'll be able to see and listen through his eyes and ears so don't worry about how to talk to me." she said to Elias, her voice gentle.

When you die, your world ends. The world may go on, but in your eyes, the world ends with you.

-Carpe Diem

[Joker]

Elias turned around to meet a man in odd looking clothes the kind of which he had never seen before. " Aye Sir that is my new title but please it's so regal. So if you please Elias is fine" Hearing that he was a fellow lord made Elias ecstatic. "Well it is a pleasure to meet you Ragdar official business is such a drag if my retainers were with me I would try to give them the slip also but stealth isn't exactly my thing." gesturing to his height as Ragdar had said he felt the pressure on his mind.

 "Well met Lenore the pleasure is all mine I mean it's not every day you get to meet a dragon" Elias paused. "Would you like to talk over the official business over a meal you must be famished from your ride I know I would be"  Elias said with a hardy chuckle. 

[Aelodil]

Taken by surprise at how Elias had responded, Ragdar was taken aback. The man was a Lord, but he was humble, modest, and kind. Not something you see every day. "Not everyone is the same as your family." said Lenora to him, her voice gentle but also sort of annoyed. She disliked it when Ragdar compared people to his family. After all, most of them were nothing but silver tongued tyrants.

Ragdar felt Lenora's annoyance and he felt bad. Of all the people he still knew, Lenora was the only one he loved. His family could rot for all he care. Reru he cared for slightly. Clarissa he absolutely disliked her to the point he wouldn't bat an eye at killing her. Aelodil was an interesting case. His cousin was the youngest of the entire family but just like the rest, he was powerful. In addition, he was great at politics. Though all the same, he disliked that silver tongue of his. Plus, he didn't trust any of them. After they partition Uru'baen he would begin to start making alliances around to defend his newly claimed territory. The claiming of Belatona had surprised him as he didn't plan on taking Kuasta or Belatona. Of course the residents of Belatona wouldn't believe him, but after all the mess ends up settled they should.

"I'm sorry Lenora. Just that.. I wasn't exactly raised by anyone other than them. It's just kind of grown on me." he told her, his voice slightly down. Giving a mental sigh, Lenora comforted him. Much as she might get annoyed sometimes, he was still her Rider. She had chosen him for a reason.

Turning to Elias, Ragdar gave a polite courtesy gesture of his arm across his chest along with a slight bow. "Elias it shall be then. By the same token, just call me Ragdar. Titles are long, complicated, and useless. All they do is give word of your reputation. Frankly, I'm not one to want people to know my reputation." he said before continuing after Elias finished, "The pleasure is mine, Elias. Glad to see someone else understands my pain here." he looked down at himself. He was 6"6, pretty tall. He shrugged. Who said he didn't use magic? But then again, he wasn't quite sure he wanted to play all his cards just yet. Though he trusted Elias, he had learned enough politics from his years with Aelodil to know at least the basics.

Flattered at Elias' comment, Lenora looked through Ragdar's eyes and said to the both, "He's cute. You better not do anything funny Ragdar." her voice mocking Ragdar who raised his eyebrows.

"I'm not in a position to do anything funny. Just in case you don't recall, that is." he said, mocking anger. He loved Lenora and he couldn't ever end up mad at her. Though he was about to wave off Elias' offer of a meal, stating he wasn't hungry, his stomach rumbled out loud. "Please, then, if I could bother to ask for a meal." he said to Elias.

When you die, your world ends. The world may go on, but in your eyes, the world ends with you.

-Carpe Diem

[Joker]

Lost in thought about the improvement of Feinstar it was in fairly good shape walls check government was on it's way winning the people check curse politics he thought such a drag. What else needed fixing the peoples houses the food and water where in good supply after Elias had gotten the fields some farmers. Other than this was the worry of war of course they had walls but these would do little with not enough men to watch them.

We need men he thought the war had left them with at least one hundred fifty men but most of them where Volunteers untrained. Perhaps I could train them but then there would have to be patrols that would take around fifteen men at their current state maybe five when they where trained. That would have to wait he had guests important guests in fact. " Well than Ragdar it shall be done and titles are to long given names are better my reputation is nothing to sneeze at believe me." These to where quite the pair jesting at each other. " Please Lenora nothing compares to the beauty of a dragon and trust me not much would scare me away"

Smiling at Ragdar he seemed like a decent enough man. " Trust me Ragdar a meal is only a small token to give to a fellow man especially one that has come all this way just to speak with me. Now if you'll follow me to the keep if It's not a problem with you I would like to dine out side so that Lenora may eat with us. And if there is anything special that either of you want do not hesitate to ask you are my honored guests."  

[Aelodil]

Ragdar nodded his head in approval. Titles were just silly and annoying. "We'll take your word for it." said Ragdar in response. Nothing to sneeze at.. you'd better be right for the both of us, he thought to himself. Lenora slapped him mentally.

"Don't be unpleasant Ragdar. We have to deal with what we have on our plate laid out in front of us here and now. The future and past come later and never respectively." she scolded him. He sighed out loud, relenting. Flattered at Elias' comment even further, Lenora said, "Oh, quite the lady's man we have here. I wonder how many mistresses he has." her voice teasing Elias. She wasn't nearly as strict as Ragdar though she scolded him for being loose sometimes.

Shaking his head, Ragdar muttered, "Hypocrite. I swear, why do I even bother.." more to himself than anyone else. Lenora caught on however and scolded him again. Raising an eyebrow at the latter comment, he decided to keep to himself. He wasn't here to put on a show of force or issue threats. He didn't want his host to think he was trying to intimidate Feinster. After all, that was the exact opposite of what he was trying to do.

Nodding, Ragdar said, "Thank you. A meal would be dandy, and one where Lenora can participate that much better. Of course it would not be a problem. Besides, we are the ones intruding here without an invitation. It wouldn't be a trouble at all. We wouldn't ask of anything extra - as I said, we're the uninvited ones here. We're glad enough that you decided to take us in as it is." reaching his mind out to Elias so that Lenora could let her gratitude flow to the man. Waiting for Elias to show them the way, Ragdar thought back at the walls they had passed. They were great, sure, but there were no military forces there. Perhaps he had just found himself a bargaining chip.

When you die, your world ends. The world may go on, but in your eyes, the world ends with you.

-Carpe Diem

[Joker]

Hearing the hint of hostility on Ragdar voice Elias turned around and apologized "Please do excuse me Ragdar if I affended you in any way. But please do tell me if I affend you in anyway and I will make sure to apologize" Elias said with slight bow hmm quite a temper we have here Elias thought to himself. Hopefully this won't get in the way of peace talks this could cripple my chances of peace and perhaps a ally.

" Despite what you think Lenora I have no mistress of any kind I have not found one yet I'm not a man who uses his power to swoon women. Even though the girls of Feinster swoon over me I don't want a relationship like that I want someone who is smart and can help me not goggle over me." Elias said with a hint of real sadness he had to continue his houses legacy but he wanted a Wife not a mistress. Then he remembered his parents relationship, I will never want to be like that. Elias laughed again at them toyingly " You two crack me up, you fight like a brother and sister."

Seeing a boy and a girl run past them Elias smiled he wondered how his sister was doing. "A invitation the idea makes me laugh you two are beyond welcomed at any time though I can not promise I will be able to see you at once. Suit yourselves but if something comes up don't hesitate to ask. Take you in this is how friends are supposed to be greeted and as I said you are friends. Sorry for the delay let us be off to the field" Feeling a odd prescence brush in his mind Elias noticed that it was Lenora he gave back his own feelings of happiness of meeting new friends.

Walking Towards a plain near the keep which was close enough to where the cooks could reach them but far enough from the city to where they could eat in silence. When they got there Elias turned to Ragdar. " Do you enjoy deer Ragdar if so that will be our meal and if you could tell me what Lenora enjoys and how much she wants that would be great."

[Aelodil]

Shaking his head, Ragdar responded to Elias. He felt taken aback - he hadn't mean to show any hostility. "No, the pardon is on me. I didn't mean to sound aggravated. Seems as though the years have gotten to me. After all, just a few months ago you couldn't bat an eye without having to deal with some problems of sorts." he told Elias with another small bow of his own.

"So temperate that he managed to sense it when you weren't even trying to sound malicious. Good job, Ragdar." came the mocking voice of Fundor in the confines of Ragdar's mind, making fun of Ragdar who responded with a mental sneer. Of course they were just joking.

"It's okay Fundor. After all, he's still just a little child. You can't expect any better from him." mocked Jura. Ragdar couldn't help his surprised slip through; usually Jura was the one standing beside him while Fundor mocked him. Now they were both mocking him? It was a conspiracy!

Rumbling with amusement at Fundor, Jura, and Elias' comments, she responded to Elias, "Aw, are you sure there's no one to the side? I'm pretty sure you could swoon them without your power. There there, you don't have to be modest with me." she enjoyed teasing people like this, something Ragdar learned the hard way.

Smiling had become something Ragdar barely ever did. Yet here he was, smiling as he responded to Elias, "You could say that. After all, we have no one left but one another. Naturally we'd be close - besides, we're bonded as Rider and dragon." his voice slightly less fierce than normal.

Ragdar couldn't help but shrug off the feeling that Elias seemed to be trying to get on their good side. Perhaps he was thinking of an alliance as well. Though he appreciated the welcomed feeling Elias gave them and his politeness, he was sure that part of it if not the majority was extra flattery to keep them happy. "Deer is fine, aye. Lenora would be fine with a deer as well - preferably a whole one." he responded to Elias, seating himself on a chair.

Resting his arm on the table and his head on his arm, he said to Elias, "While I'd love to continue our pleasant conversation, I'd like to get down to the point first." he took a deep breath before he continued, "I'll be blunt with you; I'd be interested in an alliance between our two Provinces. For one, with the amount of fresh water we both control we could monopolize that specific industry of trade to get some extra money to help increase the conditions in our Provinces. For another, I noticed you seem to be low on veteran soldiers. On the other hand I have a trained force of veterans at my disposal. So, what would you say to this particular preposition?"

When you die, your world ends. The world may go on, but in your eyes, the world ends with you.

-Carpe Diem

[Joker]

 " Ay that is nothing but true but that is the past Galbatorix is gone and peace should reign for at least a little while longer." After this saw he continued to think of reasons he could use to get a alliance. Dras-Leona was in great shape with men trade they controlled the entire of Leona lake. This will be hard if Ragdar doesn't want one himself.

Walking to the end of the table and grabbing eating utensils and plates for Ragdar and himself one of his servants ran up to him " Please lord it is not your place to set the tables we are here for a reason" Elias looked at the man puzzled "Take the day to yourself I think I can manage by myself." The man ran off towards the city and Elias set the table quietly as Ragdar looked preoccupied with something.

Hearing her comment Elias chuckled " I am absolutely positive that there is no one unless I have some twisted stalker which in that case I would be pretty scared. I don't understand what you mean without my power. Trust me I'm being a little to modest with you." Elias said teasing her.

Watching Ragdar give a smile and waiting till he was done speaking Elias said " Is that a smile that I see on your face there Ragdar it suits you better than that scowl you've had since I met you. This bond between you and Lenora I would like to learn more about the bond between a dragon and her rider."

This was going great Elias thought they both seemed happy enough. but he thought he was a little to polite for someone in his position. "Aye and so it shall be If you don't mind waiting a little while. In the mean time we can talk over this business that you came here for in the first place."Elias took a seat directly in front of Ragdar so that they may talk easier.

Folding his arms having them prop up his head he spoke " I agree Business before pleasure am I right" Listening to every word Ragdar had to say pondering over every word. "Well that makes two of us I was hoping that was the reason you came here. I'd agree if we can have the entirety of river a trade we could send materials and or men and if I'm not mistaken Dras-Leona took quite the beating during the war. Aye I am low on Trained troops most of them are volunteers wanting to return to their families. But the thing in question is what do you want from me other than an alliance everyone wants something in return. What do you desire." 

[Aelodil]

"Power" the one word wrung out as Ragdar spoke after he listened to Elias. With a smile across his lips he said, "Not the power you think, though. Rather, I desire the power to protect the power I have now. Tensions are rising, a storm is brewing on the horizon. Weathering the storm on your own is never a smart idea, especially a storm brutal as this one. What I would gain is an ally with the same interests that I have. Plus, just like you said, Dras-Leona took quite a beating. We have plenty of stone materials, less so for trees though. Whereas in Feinster you have a forest. See where I'm going with this?"

Lenora on the other hand didn't exactly care too much about the politics going on. Again though she didn't want to interrupt them so she talked to Fundor and Jura, "This part of the day is the worst. Wouldn't you agree you two?" she asked them

"Definitely so, yeah. It's completely and utterly boring listening to human politics. Or any politics in general, really. You're both in agreement, who cares about the details?" responded Fundor.

"Unlike some people, Fundor, they tend to use their brains. That's why they take so long. What if this particular detail means that soon after making the alliance one of the parties betrays the other?" scolded Jura.

Lenora sighed to herself and went quiet. Why did she bother? The two had been mates before they had died almost a century ago and they retained that sort of feel to them.

When you die, your world ends. The world may go on, but in your eyes, the world ends with you.

-Carpe Diem

[Joker]

Dras-Leona was in horrid shape yes but they had better raw material " Power ay well as you see we can't afford much of that our self funny thing power. Makes rulers go mad but you" Elias said gesturing with his hand " You want the power to protect what do you think your power is. Your city, It's people" Elias looked Ragdar right in his eyes.


 " Our do you want to protect yourself that is what I would like to know and, Please do answer truthfully." Elias paused thinking before he continued " I realize that Dras-Leona has much stone to bargain with and as you said we have dense forests but before we make a deal I wish to know by doing this with you will anyone target my people or city because we are allies." 

Elias continued to eye Ragdar over this storm that he was talking about was it his own or would it affect the whole of Alagaesia. He barely knew this man who had he been before the war had ended was it someone Elias would've wanted to be an ally or would they have been enemies. That is what Elias really wanted to know about Ragdar.
 

[Aelodil]

"My power is the heart of the people. What is the heart of the people? Their home. Their families. What is their home? Their Province." responded Ragdar to him. At some point in his life Ragdar had been power hungry much the same as his father. Not anymore though, now he was "normal" in consideration for power hungry.

Giving a sly smile, Ragdar responded, "At least you're not stupid. Aye, I need allies' power behind me so that I'm in a safer position to protect my Province. I'll be honest with you, allying with me is going to put you in one hell of a pickle. Despite my dire need here, I won't use the force behind me to try to intimidating you to join me. You're free to choose whatever you want."

Lenora, Fundor, and Jura stayed quiet the entire time. They didn't want to bother with any of that business. Landing near the field as her whole grown male adult deer arrived, Lenora began to eat. A few people managed to spot her - it was kind of hard to not see her what with her huge size. By then she was easily as large as a large manor thanks to her age and the magic from Galbatorix.

Trying to sum things up for Elias, Ragdar explained, "The kind of man I was before my adoptive father died was, at first, a very terrible man. I was power hungry for my own selfish greed. Now, I may still have the same mind set when it comes to fighting or anything like that, but not the same when it comes to other things. For instance, I love my people and I want to see them all happy. All the same, I would and could kill a man without batting an eye at it or losing any seconds of sleep over it. That's the kind of man I am."

When you die, your world ends. The world may go on, but in your eyes, the world ends with you.

-Carpe Diem

[Joker]

( Sorry about this ran out of time at the library didn't get to get back till today)

Nodding his approval  " This good to know that not everyone has turned into power hungry mongrels I'm glad to know that you care for the people that is hard to find now a days." Elias slowly nodded putting his hand over his mouth in the shape of a fist adjusting himself. So that he would be more comfortable while listening.

Elias chuckled after what Ragdar had said " Well at least your no moron to lie to me. As I though But can you tell me the position that you are in. damage to your city etcetera I tell you one thing once we've known one another longer you'll find I like finding any way out of a predicament. But what is your current predicament that is worrying you so if I may ask." Pausing for a moment he continued "Well I'm glad that force is not your go to strategy. It is great to know that I have some kind of choice in this world. At this moment in time I would say yes due to what we can do for each we both have something the other needs."

A cool breeze had come over the hilltop Elias closed his eyes feeling the breeze flow through him. Had he chose the Decision that was better for the city of for himself hopefully the cities best interests where on his mind which they where at this point.


Sighing after Ragdar was done speaking "Well the future is a powerful changing force we will see what is to come now won't we? As do I love my people and anyone who would attempt to hurt them would have to kill me first but to any who would be my enemy I am no push over I will fight to my last breath. And I would not care about what consequence that could bring to me as a person as long as my province would still be free."  

[Joker]

(Bump Vlaer)

[Aelodil]

Ragdar listened intently to Elias as he talked. He was glad to hear that Elias agreed with his preposition. Just after he finished, a young boy came over to the table with the food in his hands. Setting the table, the boy bowed to Elias and quickly left, eyeing Ragdar.

Before going to eat, Ragdar began to explain to Elias, "Dras-Leona is in a rather banged up shape though it's quickly being repaired thanks to the amount of manual labor at our disposal along with the amount of stone. However, the lack of lumber is getting to us and many projects of reparation or building have been halted due to the lack of lumber. Hopefully you're right about that, especially considering the situation I'm in now." taking a quick sip of water, he got back to it.

"Clarissa, Aelodil, and myself will be partitioning parts of Uru'baen. Considering it was Aelodil and I who began this scheme, Clarissa wants Aelodil to help her afterwards to take me out. Luckily, either because Aelodil pities me or is doing it for politics, he's managed to buy me some time to prepare. Though when it comes to it I doubt he'll hold back against me. Enough politic talk - for now let's enjoy our meal." he completed as he began to eat his meal. He savored every bite of the meat. It tasted absolutely delicious.

"Hello, Elias. My name is Jura, and the other Eldunari is Fundor. Apologies for not introducing ourselves earlier. We don't care too much for politics so we thought we'd introduce ourselves after all the politic talk was over." Jura said, her feminine voice reaching out to Elias. Fundor brushed on Elias' mind but didn't bother saying anything.

When you die, your world ends. The world may go on, but in your eyes, the world ends with you.

-Carpe Diem

[Joker]

Elias saw the boy come over with the food " Thank you" Elias said with a nod of his head. The boy gave Ragdar a odd glance before running off. Back towards the city.

Elias nodded as Ragdar spoke explaining Dras-Leona's current state  " Well as you said the stone would be great for me and wood for you the only thing we would have to worry about is getting it back and forth The river that stretches from Leona Lake and close to our current location would be the fastest way. But I'm fairly sure we would need to tell Lady Kelocias I believe that is her name. So as to make sure tensions would not rise against you or I or we could detour around and go through Uru'Baen but perhaps you could get a part of it to where trade would easier between us." Twirling his glass with his finger as he continued to listen.

Elias frowned at hearing that he would have to mighty force or one force to help Ragdar with but hey what where alliances for. Elias went back to a pleasant smile before continuing. "Could you possibly get Aelodil to come to your aid somehow as I said everyone needs or wants something what does he want. Aye I agree let us enjoy our meal." Elias said before taking a bite if the people of Feinstar knew one thing it was to cook the deer was amazing.

Elias stopped between a bite hearing Jura he set down his utensil and wiped his mouth before speaking " Well hello to you Jura and to you also Fundor. No need for apologies as you know I am Elias. Though contradicting my livelihood I despise politics. Thank you both for letting me know you are here at least" Elias said before returning to his meal.

[Aelodil]

Chewing on the meat slowly such to savor the taste Ragdar felt respect for whoever it was cooking. They had done the meat well. "If it wasn't for the fact that an armed force is necessary to defend oneself now-a-days I'd say you should focus on making the populace here into expert chefs like the one who did this deer." Lenora said to them her voice filled with pleasure at the taste. Even her deer meat was cooked. Extending her emotions out, she let Elias feel her appreciation. After all, they did not have to cook her meat.

Ragddar listened intently. He was liking Elias more and more with every word the man said. Swallowing a mouthful of meat, he dabbed at his lips with a napkin before saying, "First of all, I must discuss some serious business. The chef who made this... he deserves more praise than any army. Secondly, yes, the river between Dras-Leona and Feinster would be perfect for trade. Though yes, we'd need to ask Lady Kelocias. She harbors no love for me so it would probably be slightly difficult. However, if anyone were to ask her it would have to be me. Show her that we respect her authority. Plus, that way I can plead my innocence in any schemes she may suspect me to be a part in." he stopped for a moment to take a drink from the rich wine set in front of them and continued, "Aye, once we begin our partitioning I will take some land that will connect our two Provinces. That way we would have a direct trade route. In the meantime however, I will negotiate with Lady Kelocias on both our behalves."

Shrugging at Elias' question, Ragdar pondered it himself. Would Aelodil help him? He had barely met his cousin save the few meetings for official business. Hesitating, he said, "I doubt it. I never met my cousin much, but I know this much: He harbors no love for me. Furthermore, he has a silver tongue but he rarely ever lies. If he's made a deal with Clarissa I doubt he'll turn on her. Perhaps however we can work something out to make him not attack with full force. Gil'ead is in quite a great shape. Though I'm confident the armed forces of Dras-Leona easily outmatch Gilead's or Teirm's. After all, I didn't spend two years training the lot for nothing." he went back to eating his deer, savoring each and every bite.

When you die, your world ends. The world may go on, but in your eyes, the world ends with you.

-Carpe Diem

[Joker]

Noting the enjoyment on Ragdar's face Elias smirked meat was his chefs specialty. Perhaps it was overkill but this didn't matter " Well having a wide assortment a spices and having someone who knows what he doing doesn't hurt" Elias chuckled enjoying that Lenora had enjoyed her own meal. Amazed at the feelings she was tossing at him  " I told you, both of you are honored guests what guest gets raw meat?" He would definantly need to give Brock the chef praise and a raise.

Elias continued to eat until Ragdar spoke, He grabbed his glass sipping the wine setting it down to speak " You have a great sense of serious business, Finally someone who finds food seriously." Elias said laughing  " Not to be pushy I would think it would be better if the both of us would go and talk together as to show that we are both serious about our propositions and as you said she shows no love for you so having someone else would be better and perhaps we could find another ally within her. Plus I need to show that My city and I are a serious dealer in this political game." Pausing to let Ragdar speak he took a bite of the deer he loved Feinster and their cooking. " If you where to get land to connect us then may I propose getting land near Melian or you could get Furnost then you would be right near one of my major forests. Just a thought. As I said I would like to talk with Lady Kelocias with you."

Elias watched Ragdar as he seemed to think over asking Aelodil for help " Well perhaps we can get the grand council to have Clarissa to stand down if only for a short while then we could build more alliances and better both of our decisions. Maybe we can have him attack in half force indeed your cousin doesn't seem stupid by what you've told me attacking Dras-Leona would be political suicide but he would still find other ways to help perhaps merge his army with Clarissa's that would be my first thought." Elias sipped his wine thinking only of the flavor.

He looked in Lenora's way " Lenora would you mind having some wine with us? please there's no need for anyone to be left out" Elias said waiting for her response.

[Aelodil]

Ragdar was sure that Elias was being modest. If he could, Ragdar would've hired the chef to be his own personal chef. Though now was not the time for such idling. They had politics to talk. Humoring the thought of hiring the chef, he was interrupted by Lenora who responded to Elias and said, "Well, unlike you I can eat the meat without it being cooked. So it being cooked is simply a luxury. I rate ten out of ten for the chef." as she continued to gobble down her deer.

Glass still in hand, Ragdar inclined his head to Elias. "Food is a serious business. After all, the happiness of the people depends on the quality of the food. Keeping the quality of the food high requires spices among other things. Many a war has broken out over simple ingredients for food." he said, voice mockingly serious. He heard Elias out, taking a sip of wine.

"Perhaps that may be the smarter idea, aye. Besides, I'm no expert on this politics things. If anyone in our family, it'd be Aelodil. That sneaky bugger is perfect at this game. I'd like to say I'm fairly decent at politics, though my true passion lies in combat. But it seems.. very unlikely that Lady Kelocias would join us. Like I said, she has no love for me - at all. In fact, if she was given the option to slit my throat I doubt that she would even hesitate. Furnost is definitely my goal. Spread a line from the extent of my land to Furnost is what I'm hoping." he informed Elias, twisting the glass around between his finger.

With a sigh, Ragdar nodded. "If he puts his mind to it I'm sure he'll find a way to help her. Whether through allowing his forces to sign up as 'volunteers' in her army and maybe offering her 'gifts'. Either case, I doubt they'll attack anytime soon. Political suicide is not the only worry. They know better than anyone else just how experienced the army in Dras-Leona is. Even the new recruits are being trained up quicker than I'd expect. In the meantime though I move we continue to try forming an alliance with Lady Kelocias. Perhaps even the Province of Kuasta." he suggested as he poured his glass full of wine again, sipping from it.

Lenora noticed Ragdar getting slightly light headed and chuckled. He was getting drunk. Being drunk while talking serious politics. Wasn't that dandy. Perking up from her deer at Elias' suggestion, she looked to where four barrels of wine were stationed. "Well then, don't mind if I do." she told him, stalking towards the wine barrels. Using a claw to open one, she began to guzzle the barrels one after another. Finishing all four, she noticed a boy, a servant by the looks of it, rush up with another six barrels. Opening her fifth, she began to slowly guzzle the wine. She herself was starting to feel extremely lightheaded. "Mhm, good job Feinster. Lord Elias, you are a wise man indeed, mhm.." she said drearily.

When you die, your world ends. The world may go on, but in your eyes, the world ends with you.

-Carpe Diem

[Joker]

Looking thoughtfully into his already finished glass he grabbed the bottle and topped it off continuously sipping from it. Swaying his head side to side as if he where listening to music. Elias started humming to himself he wasn't getting drunk he told himself setting down the glass looking back at Ragdar. Looking towards Lenora as she spoke " Well Lenora just because you aren't human doesn't mean you shouldn't be treated with great respect your a dragon for goodness sakes your race was almost extinct for many years this is just a small pleasantry. Maybe I should send for Brock, He's the chef that setup this entire meal wine included." Elias took a few sips of the wine before eating more.

Rubbing the back of his neck he listened to Ragdar. " Aye it is I have no quarrels with that. the people do come first after all good food and wine do help keep people and right now food prices are at a all time low with the war over even the poorest can afford a good meal. Perhaps we can work on a spice and food trade between us and I could send you a chef along with it as a gift if there willing of course." He took another sip of his wine before listening to Ragdar.

Setting down his glass he spoke " If he is as smart as you say then he should have no problem finding a way to help Clarrisa. as you said volunteers or through gifts that would be the smartest choice because if it back fires all of the blame could be projected on Clarrisa. Aye politics is not really my forte now strategy and as you said combat. Well if she hates you so much can we reflect that at Clarrisa and Aelodil she would be able to take out two birds with on stone. Good at least we shared a common goal with you getting control of Furnost.  Elias said tracing the boundary that Ragdar himself and Lady Kelocias would have if they could be allies.

Elias chuckled to himself again he found himself humming and bobbing his head back and forth . He laughed as Lenora joined in with the merriments "  It was the people of Feinster to thank Lenora but thank you for the compliment."